Training camp for the Indianapolis Colts kicks off in about a month, so as part of our preview of what’s to come, we will be evaluating each positional battle that is expected to unfold.
What took place during offseason programs laid the foundation for each of these competitions and provided us with some insights into where things may stand. That said, how training camp and the preseason unfold will ultimately determine who wins these roles.
Rounding out our camp competition preview is the kicker position.
What Colts‘ training camp battle is taking place at kicker?
Competing for the Colts‘ kicking job are Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader.
Shrader missed most of last season after sustaining an ACL injury. Before that point, he was 14-for-14 on extra points and 13-of-14 on field goals, which includes hitting a game-winner against Denver.
Grupe joined the team in Week 14 and was a perfect 10-for-10 on field goal attempts and 11-for-11 on extra points, according to PFF. The Colts then re-signed him earlier this offseason.
What do we know about this kicking competition?
There is a long way to go, and what happens in training camp and the preseason will ultimately decide who wins this job. That said, Grupe may hold the early edge.
According to Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable, Shrader would go just 3-for-5 on his attempts during one minicamp practice, missing one to the left and another to the right. Grupe, meanwhile, went 5-for-5.
Special teams coordinator Brian Mason said earlier this offseason that this year’s kicking competition between Grupe and Schrader will be structured similarly to last year’s.
Prediction: Who wins the kicking job?
My early guess is that Grupe comes out on top. He’s the more experienced of the two and isn’t coming off a major injury.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp battles: Who wins the kicking competition?
